Press Release

Issued by Aeroports de Lyon s.a..

November 13, 2014

After eight years at Cannes-Mandelieu the France Air Expo, the well-established trade fair for light aviation and business aviation, is moving to a more central and easily accessible airfield. The organisers, Adone Events, have announced that the air show will take place on 4 - 6 June 2015 at Lyon-Bron International Airport and will now be a travelling trade fair.

A Change of venue: greater demand for several years

The Cannes Air Show was well-known for its targeted level of professional attendees including a considerable number of pilots. The organisers have taken into account visitors' comments on the difficulty of access by aeroplane (nearly three hours by single-engine from most large cities in France) and high-speed TGV train which puts Paris five hours' away from Cannes and more than two from Marseille.

“Many regular exhibitors urged us to choose a new platform, but in this economic crisis we weren't ready to turn everything upside down. What's more, the aviation calendar was not always conducive to this approach”, said Didier Mary, the event organiser. “During the excellent 2014 show, we discussed the possibility of changing platform with our main exhibitors. The response was unanimous: it's time to create a new momentum! We are in touch with several large platforms for the next few years and naturally Cannes will remain a preferred choice”, he added.

Lyon-Bron airport: a strategic choice

“We were warmly welcomed by Didier Pianelli, director of Lyon-Bron airport, and his teams, who shared the same passion and commitment as us for setting up a great event in 2015,” enthused Didier Mary. A true partnership has been created, with the shared ambition of promoting the event but also with Lyon-Bron as preferred airport for private aviation.

Lyon is France's second largest city and one of the largest conurbations with greater Lyon. It has two airports and a high-speed train station less than ten minutes from the city centre. A shuttle service between the station and Lyon airports is scheduled. Lyon's hotel capacity is comparable to Cannes' and the city's reputation for gastronomy will attract many pilots and enthusiasts.

The facilities at Lyon-Bron are recognised by the whole aviation community. The 1,820-metre runway makes it possible for many aircraft to land without weight restrictions. The aim is to increase the number of exhibitors and to extend the range of aircraft on display, towards both lighter and heavier aircraft.

The event is ideally located a few metres from the FBO (fixed-base operator), with ample parking for visitors.

This new location brings the event closer to a greater number of cities less than 1h30 flight away by single-engine. Pilots, flying club directors and general aviation professionals, from light aircraft to business aviation, will certainly come to the event in greater numbers. The proximity of countries such as Switzerland, Belgium and Luxembourg will also draw more international visitors.

With Didier Pianelli's teams and air traffic control, the organisers are working on new slot booking for the pilots. Lyon-Bron's central position should be able to receive more than 1,500 aircraft over the three-day event. There will certainly be more short visits than for Cannes; a flying club aeroplane will be able to perform several rotations at the event, increasing the number of visitors.

Many discussions are underway, with various associations, to organiser fly-ins. And the youngest visitors will not be forgotten either, with the greater Lyon aviation initiation certificates (BIA) being awarded (to nearly 1,000 young people) and with an even bigger area dedicated to training for careers in aviation.

A new destination and new objectives, but with the same spirit

The organisers of France Air Expo have succeeded in making their events friendly, professional forums for exchanging ideas by keeping close ties with their exhibitors and visitors.

A united team, operating for ten years, driven by the same values of service and professional relations, makes exhibitors feel at home, creating a very friendly atmosphere, facilitating on site business. The organisers are particularly keen to maintain this basis which gives this general aviation trade fair its unique identity.

“We are very pleased with the confirmed support of magazines such as Aviation & Pilote and Info Pilote, and with that of the French aviation federation (Fédération Française Aéronautique) which continues to expand its presence at our side. We are also very grateful for the support from organisations like AOPA and GIPAG, the French group representing professionals for the general aviation industry. Breitling the watch-maker will continue to give accurate time at this event which is aiming to become the largest general aviation gathering in Europe. So, for 2015, the target of 18,000 visitors is clear”, said Didier Mary.